Rare Mouse Threatens Water Pipeline

GREELEY, Colo. (AP) – A proposed $80 million water pipeline in northern Colorado could be stopped by a modest creature in its path — the protected Preble’s meadow jumping mouse.

The Greeley Tribune reports that the city of Greeley wants to finish a 30-mile water pipeline to Bellvue. But federal officials are disputing the city’s claim that the final 6 1/2-mile stretch of the pipeline will not have any adverse effects on the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse or the northern leopard frog.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says Greeley must take further steps for the federally protected species. The city says it is reviewing the Fish & Wildlife rejection of its proposal and may consider “re-vegetating” some areas.

The pipeline will have the capacity to deliver an additional 50 million gallons per day to Greeley.